Lights, camera, action '“ Northern Ireland set to star!

The journalists – whose publications have a combined circulation of more than 17 million readers – were here to check out some of our many film and TV locations, now renowned globally.

In Belfast, the journalists enjoyed a tour of some of the famous landmarks which featured in the TV series The Fall and in the film Good Vibrations. They then travelled along the Causeway Coastal Route, stopping off at Games of Thrones filming locations including Cushendun, Ballintoy, Portstewart Strand and the iconic Dark Hedges. In Co Down, the journalists visited Mount Stewart House and Gardens – location for Dracula Untold and Frankenstein Chronicles – and also took part in a Game of Thrones themed tour at Castle Ward.

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted to invite these journalists to come and visit Northern Ireland, to see for themselves some of the many beautiful and iconic filming locations here. TV and film are recognised as strong influencers on travellers everywhere, with up to 35% of people being impacted in their choice of destination by what they see on screen. Tourism Ireland regularly works to maximise the promotional opportunities of popular films and TV programmes filmed on location here. In particular, the stellar popularity of Game of Thrones® is a fantastic opportunity for us to promote Northern Ireland to a huge audience of potential visitors.”

Tourism Ireland is undertaking a busy programme of promotions throughout 2016, to build on the growth in visitor numbers last year. As well as maximising screen tourism, Tourism Ireland continues to promote our special Year of Food and Drink, the Causeway Coastal Route and The Gobbins Cliff Path, as well as other iconic experiences like Titanic Belfast, the Giant’s Causeway and our unique National Trust properties and, of course, our world-class golf courses.